AirTran Announces New Daily Non-Stop Jet Service Between Orlando and the Mississippi Gulf Coast

ORLANDO, Fla., March 16 /PRNewswire/ -- AirTran (Nasdaq:AAIR) and Beau Rivage Resort, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mirage Resorts, Incorporated (NYSE:MIR), announced today that the two companies have entered a joint marketing partnership to provide daily non-stop jet service between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Gulfport/Biloxi Regional Airport (GPT).

The new service will commence on April 1, 1999, just two weeks after the opening of Beau Rivage, a $650 million world class destination resort developed by Mirage Resorts, Incorporated. Reservations and ticket sales for all flights are now available for purchase.

"The introduction of daily non-stop scheduled jet service between Orlando and Gulfport/Biloxi will provide convenient access to the Mississippi Gulf Coast," said Joe Leonard, Chairman, President and CEO of AirTran. "We are particularly pleased to partner with the prestigious Mirage Resorts. With only a one hour flight, travelers can experience one of the hottest emerging destinations in the country."

Customers may purchase air only tickets for travel through AirTran or their travel agent. Travel packages that include round trip airfare and hotel accommodations at Beau Rivage may be purchased through Mirage Resorts Vacations, the company's travel division.

AirTran operates over 130 daily departures from Atlanta and offers the convenience of easy, same concourse connections in Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport. Systemwide, AirTran operates over 270 daily departures to 31 cities.

Recipient of Entrepreneur magazine's 1998 award for "Best Domestic Low-Fare Airline," AirTran provides everyday, affordable air travel throughout the eastern United States and Midwest. Unlike other airlines, AirTran never requires a roundtrip purchase or Saturday night stay.

Currently operating a fleet of 49 jet aircraft, AirTran is the launch customer for the new Boeing 717-200 with a firm order of 50 aircraft and options for another 50. Delivery of these aircraft commences this fall. AirTran is a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq:AAIR).

Mirage Resorts is widely recognized as a leader in the resort industry. The company has twice been named to the Fortune Magazine Top Ten most Admired Companies in America list and is often the recipient of industry awards and accolades. In addition to Beau Rivage, Mirage Resorts developed, owns and operates the Golden Nugget, The Mirage, Treasure Island and its newest destination resort, Bellagio, in Las Vegas.

For more information and flight reservations, call your travel agent, 800-AIRTRAN (800/247-8726), 770/994-8258 (in Atlanta), or visit the AirTran website at www.airtran.com.

For packages including hotel and air reservations and entertainment and spa packages, call 800-360-7111 or visit Mirage Resorts Vacation's website at www.mirageresortsvacations.com.

     CONTACT:  AirTran, Orlando
               Cara Maruskin, 407/251-5578
               News-On-Demand:  888/329-0923
               or
               Beau Rivage
               Andy Bourland or Sandy Zanella
               228/386-7132
SOURCE AirTran Airways < back
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